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Friday, June 28, 2013

The Party's Over....

Yesterday I mowed the lawn, hoping it would help to dry the grass since it was soooo wet and keeping my fingers crossed that any rains would hold out until after the Celebrate Summer Party on Friday. Don't ya just love it when your plans actually happen??!! It didn't rain all day yesterday, altho the skies got really dark while a girl friend and I were on our way to the Morton Arboretum to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play John William's best collection....you know John Williams, the composer of Star Wars, ET, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws. What a night, first time the CSO had ever performed at the Arboretum and it was glorious, wonderful music under the stars. The threatening skies passed us by, leaving behind a beautiful night. I even spotted a lightening bug, which I thought usually didn't appear until July or August.

The clouds drifted away....

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra in action (psst...don't tell anybody, we were asked to not take pictures during the performance....I snuck one, don't think they even noticed)

My friend, Bonnie...a most enjoyable evening we had together.

Today was pretty darn near perfect for an outdoor party.....sun shining, check....lower humidity, check....slight breeze blowing, check....grass dry, check....no mosquitoes, check. Can't get any better than this. I rose early, needed to get the pasta chicken salad prepared, put stuff away...you know that stuff that gathers and makes piles and then you have to get rid of those piles so people will think you are so neat and organized. As long as they don't go to the garage, or to the spare bedroom, or the laundry room, or the basement...I might fool them. Tee Hee!!

My "great" friend Marti arrived early, I was borrowing a table and some chairs from her...she immediately started in on the strawberries, cutting them up for dessert and then preparing the topping (sour cream & brown sugar....try it on top of fresh fruit ie strawberries, raspberries, it is delicious) As other people arrived they all seemed to find little jobs to do...what great friends I have.

Everyone arrived and after chatting for awhile, grabbing a drink...lunch was served....my daughter, Lisa & granddaughter, Bailey helped serve, I was so happy they came. Not only were they a big help, but many of my friends had never met them. And some that did, had not seen them in several years.

So much food....I really didn't want anyone to bring anything, but so many insisted, so we had more than enough food....

Let the feasting begin....

It seemed to be over way too soon....sorta like Thanksgiving, you prepare & prepare and then everyone sits down to eat and 30 minutes later, it's done.

And would you believe that it rained (hard) after everything was put away and everyone had left...we were living right today.

A Bonus Today....I am including the Chicken-Pasta-Salad Recipe that I have had in my stash since 1994. Some recipes stand the test of time and this is definitely one of those....

Almond Chicken Pasta Salad

4 cups cooked, cubed chicken

1 Tbsp. Sesame Seed

2 medium apples, cored and coarsely chopped

1 tsp finely shredded lime peel

8 oz corkscrew or bow tie pasta-cooked & drained

3 Tbsp lime juice

8 ½ oz can pineapple chunks, drained

1 Tbsp honey

½ cup seedless grapes

2 tsp. grated fresh gingerroot (I used dried)

1/3 cup biased cut celery (about 1 stalk)

¼ tsp salt

¼ cup sliced green onion

½ cup toasted sliced almonds

¾ cup mayonnaise

Lettuce leaves

¼ plain yogurt, I used Greek

Avocado slices (optional

Diced sweet pepper (optional)

In a large bowl toss together the cooked chicken, apples, cooked pasta, pineapple, grapes, celery, and onion. For dressing, in a small bowl combine the mayo, yogurt, sesame seed, lime peel, lime juice, honey, gingerroot and salt. Pour over the pasta mixture, toss gently to combine. Cover & chill. To serve, if necessary add several tablespoons of milk to moisten. Toss gently. Serve on lettuce-line plates. Top with almonds. If desired garnish with avocado slices & sweet red pepper.

This recipes makes enough for 10 main-dish servings, perfect for a luncheon.

I am truly blessed with the friends that I have surrounding me...I don't think I could have handled these last few years without my friends. The song, "I'll Get By With a Little Help From My Friends" is definitely my theme song.

And one more tidbit...I would love it if you would hop over to my collaborative blog, Focusing On Life where I am remembering "How I Met Your Father"....!!

Looks like a great summer party for you and your friends. So glad the rain stayed away after all the planning for this and even including all of your cyber friends by mistake. :) Your life makes mine look pretty dull as all I did yesterday (which is always a highlight) go to Senior Stretch and Tone. :) I will just live through your life as yours looks better.